Archive for June 2nd, 2013
Costa Rica poachers suspects in ‘turtle activist’ slaying
(BBC): An environmentalist campaigning for the protection of endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica has been found dead in a suspected killing by smugglers. Jairo Mora was reportedly found face down with his hands tied on Moin beach, 105 miles east of the capital, San Jose. Vanessa Lizano, the owner of the turtle sanctuary where Mora worked, said he had been killed because of his work. Sea-turtle eggs are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world. Lizano told the BBC: "Jairo went on patrol with some volunteers and they were attacked by armed men. "It was him they wanted, because he was the one who was always looking after the nests."
Lizano said that poachers in Costa Rica can make up to $300 (£200) per day smuggling turtle eggs in the black market. She said they had received many threats over the years because of their work at the sanctuary.